Volunteers
All volunteers in our school must obtain criminal record check (CRC) clearance.
The Ministry of Justice has regulations requiring ANY volunteer who comes near or works around children to complete a criminal record check, regardless of the time spent working near or around them. This requirement involves a Criminal Record Search, valid for 5 years, which will include a Vulnerable Sector Search. You must have criminal record check clearance in order to volunteer.
The reason for this is to ensure the safety of our students at all times regardless of a position or purpose. This means that all volunteers must obtain the same CRC clearance as employees. If you are planning to volunteer on a field trip, in a classroom, in the library, handing out hot lunch, to read, or to help in any way you will require a criminal record check completed. These will be valid for 5 years.
How to Complete a Criminal Record Check:
We ask our volunteers to complete the Volunteer Application, and Confidentiality Form, and submit to the school office. These must be returned to the school before you can obtain a Criminal Record Search.
The applicant emails criminal.check@abbyschools.ca to request the online CRC application link and they would include full name, if they need an employee or volunteer CRC application, and if they have a BC Services Card account.
The applicant can complete the CRC application online.
If applicant does not have a BC Services Card account, they must report to the Abbotsford School Board office located at 2790 Tims Street with two pieces of ID. If applicant does have an account, they will confirm their identity through the BC Services Card Account.
Once processed, SBO reception will update the CRC Master list.
Reminder for Volunteers
Volunteers who work with children or vulnerable adults are required to complete a CRC as per the Criminal Records Review Act. The CRC must be completed through the Abbotsford School District, who is registered with the Criminal Records Review Program (CRRP). If a volunteer provides a Police/RCMP check, they will be required to complete a new one through us and the CRRPs online system.
The Volunteer Master List is updated as per our regular process. If the volunteer’s status is pending, their CRC has not been processed and they are not permitted to volunteer. The CRC process turnaround is two to three weeks.
Additional Information